Workplace Safety

Workplace Safety

California law requires every employer to maintain a safe and healthful workplace. This section covers your rights, emergency procedures, and the safety practices that apply to our salon.

Emergency Evacuation Plan

Exit Routes

  • Primary exit routes are marked with illuminated EXIT signs above each exit door.
  • Secondary exit routes are posted on the evacuation map at the front desk, in the break room, and in the dispensary.
  • All exit routes must remain clear and unobstructed at all times.
  • Fire extinguishers are located at the front entrance and in the dispensary/chemical storage area.

Assembly Point

  • All employees and clients must evacuate immediately and proceed to the designated assembly point: the far end of the parking lot, away from the building entrance and any roadway.
  • Do not re-enter the building for any reason until the all-clear is given by emergency personnel.

What to Do During an Evacuation

  • If the fire alarm activates, exit the building immediately.
  • If the alarm does not activate and you become aware of a fire or emergency, verbally alert all staff and clients: "Evacuate now - everyone please exit the building immediately."
  • If a client is mid-service (e.g., color processing, under a dryer), instruct them to leave immediately as-is. No service is worth delaying evacuation.
  • Do not use cell phones during an active evacuation - alert people in person and move toward the exit.

How to Report a Safety Hazard

  • Report any safety hazard verbally or in writing to the Safety Officer or salon manager at any time.
  • A Safety Concern Form is available at the front desk and in the break room.
  • You will never be retaliated against for reporting a safety concern, requesting PPE, or refusing work you reasonably believe poses an imminent danger.
  • Imminent hazards (chemical spills, broken glass, exposed wiring) should be reported immediately - the affected area will be taken out of service until corrected.

Chemical Handling

  • A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is maintained on-site for every chemical product used in the salon. The SDS binder is located in the dispensary. Know where it is and how to read an SDS.
  • Chemicals must be stored according to SDS instructions - away from heat sources, in original or properly labeled containers, and separated by compatibility.
  • Expired, degraded, or off-smelling products (including makeup products with a waxy or crayon-like odor) must be discarded and replaced immediately - expired or compromised products may never be used on guests.
  • Never mix chemicals unless the product instructions specifically direct you to do so.
  • Nail products (acrylics, gels, nail primers) contain highly volatile chemicals - these services must only be performed in designated well-ventilated areas.
  • Keratin smoothing treatments and products containing formaldehyde require enhanced ventilation and specific PPE. Review the SDS before performing any such treatment.
  • Label all secondary containers (spray bottles, mixing bowls) with the product name and hazard warnings.
  • If you experience headache, dizziness, eye irritation, or difficulty breathing while working with chemicals, pause the service, ventilate the area, and report the incident to the Safety Officer.

Ventilation

  • Adequate ventilation is required in all areas where chemicals are mixed, applied, or stored.
  • Local exhaust ventilation (e.g., table-mounted ventilation units) is strongly recommended for nail services.
  • If ventilation equipment is not working properly, report it immediately. Chemical services should not continue in that area until ventilation is restored.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is provided at no cost to you and must be used as required.

  • Gloves - disposable nitrile or latex-free gloves must be worn when:
    • Applying or removing hair color, bleach, relaxers, perms, or toners
    • Handling any chemical product where skin contact is a listed hazard on the SDS
    • Performing waxing, facial, or skin services where contact with blood or body fluids is possible
    • Cleaning and disinfecting tools or surfaces
    • Handling contaminated materials or waste
  • Eye protection - safety glasses or goggles must be worn when:
    • Mixing or applying chemical services that may splash
    • Using aerosol products in confined spaces
    • Performing any service where the SDS recommends eye protection
  • Aprons - protective aprons should be worn during chemical mixing and application

If you have a latex allergy, inform the Safety Officer - latex-free alternatives will be provided.

Hand Hygiene

All employees must wash and sanitize their hands between every client and at regular intervals throughout the day. Heightened hand hygiene vigilance is required during illness seasons.

Sanitation and Disinfection of Tools

  • Tools that contact the skin must be properly cleaned and disinfected between each client.
  • Cleaning = removing all visible debris with soap and water before disinfecting.
  • Disinfection = immersing or wiping cleaned tools in an EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant according to the manufacturer's contact time instructions.
  • All tools and products must be clearly labeled as either "soiled" or "disinfected" and stored in appropriately labeled containers.
  • Barbicide solution should be disposed of when the mixture becomes cloudy; it may be reused multiple times prior. Use the correct measurements as indicated on the product label - the solution is highly concentrated.
  • Single-use items (nail files, wooden cuticle sticks, waxing sticks, disposable razors) must be discarded after one use.
  • Disinfectant solutions must be changed daily or sooner if visibly contaminated or left in an open container.
  • Inspect all tools before use. Damaged tools must be removed from service.

Ergonomic Safety

  • Anti-fatigue mats are available at all styling stations - use them during extended standing work.
  • Vary your posture and tasks throughout the day. Alternate between standing and sitting when services allow.
  • Position clients at an appropriate height using the hydraulic chair before beginning services.
  • Take micro-breaks between clients to stretch hands, wrists, shoulders, and neck.
  • Use properly sized and well-maintained tools - worn shears increase strain.
  • Report pain, numbness, tingling, or discomfort in your hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, or back to the Safety Officer. Early intervention is important.

Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure

Services involving potential skin contact create a risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV). Follow Standard Precautions at all times.

If a client is cut or bleeds during a service:

  1. Stop the service immediately
  2. Put on gloves before applying pressure or treating the wound
  3. Provide first aid as needed
  4. Dispose of blood-contaminated items in the designated biohazard waste bag
  5. Disinfect all surfaces and tools that came into contact with blood
  6. Document the incident

If you are exposed to blood through a cut, needle stick, or splash:

  1. Wash the exposed area thoroughly with soap and water immediately
  2. Report the exposure to the Safety Officer immediately
  3. Seek medical evaluation as soon as possible - post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is time-sensitive

Sharps disposal: Razor blades and lancets must be discarded in a puncture-resistant sharps container. Never recap, bend, or break a used razor blade.

Reporting a Workplace Injury

  • Report any workplace injury or work-related illness to the salon manager or Safety Officer immediately.
  • When an incident or accident occurs involving a guest, a witness must complete an incident report immediately. Incident reports are filed and maintained on record for claims purposes. Report forms are available in Google Drive.
  • You will be provided with a Workers' Compensation Claim Form (DWC-1) within one working day.
  • You may seek initial emergency treatment at any medical facility.
  • You have the right to consult with an attorney regarding your workers' compensation rights.
  • It is illegal for the salon to retaliate against you for filing a workers' compensation claim or reporting an injury.

Workers' Compensation

  • Workers' compensation insurance is carried by the salon as required by California law - you pay nothing for this coverage.
  • Coverage includes medical treatment, temporary disability payments, permanent disability benefits if applicable, and death benefits to dependents.
  • Insurance carrier information is posted on the safety bulletin board in the break room.

Employees with questions about any workplace safety policy should speak with the Safety Officer or salon manager. Cal/OSHA also provides free consultation services at 1-800-963-9424.

Last reviewed: March 2026